World Cup 2026: England head coach Thomas Tuchel on the Mexico match

Thomas Tuchel has dismissed concerns over England’s treatment in Mexico as they prepare to face their World Cup co-hosts – saying it was “better than I expected” and that the home fans were “friendly and respectful”.

Tuchel’s side face Mexico in the last 16 on Sunday at 18:00 local time (Monday 01:00 BST, on BBC One, iPlayer and Radio 5 Live).

On Saturday, the team was met with a mixture of cheers and boos from fans as they left their hotel for practice amid heightened security in Mexico City.

Ecuador – beaten 2-0 by Mexico last week – complained to FIFA last week that fans with loudspeakers, motorbikes and horns were disrupting their sleep.

As a result, members of the Mexican National Guard lined up at the entrance to the English Hotel, while police in riot gear stood near barricades on the street outside.

“We didn’t have any problems tonight and I think FIFA took care of the situation,” said head coach Tuchel. “We have security around the hotel so we can expect a good night’s sleep.

“I don’t want to talk about problems that don’t exist yet. We will accept them if they come. The best way to approach it is to be calm and calm.

“We have a six o’clock start so if we lose some hours of sleep we have time to catch up on other hours in the morning.

“What I’ve experienced so far has been very respectful and passionate and very supportive of our teams, so we’re very respectful of everyone. We expect to be treated with respect and that’s what it was.”

“It was better than I expected.”

Tuchel said he felt the energy in Mexico City.

“Once you land here and see the excitement and the feeling, it immediately grabs you,” he said.

“It’s going to be a proper World Cup match. We’re in the East, the East Stadium and a big play-off.

“It’s a big stage and we feel it. It brings you out more clearly and brings out the best in you. It makes you feel alive.”